If you are interested in starting a business that will provide food to the public, you should FIRST contact the Shelby County Health Department, Food Inspection Program for assistance. Office hours are 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Monday through Friday, except for County holidays. Our office can provide you with a copy of State regulations governing all food establishments and information on how to get started.

If you are interested in purchasing an existing food outlet of any type, you should contact our office. We may be able to conduct a courtesy inspection and inform you of any changes or remodeling which may be required to bring the facility up to current standards. Upon change-of-ownership or extensive remodeling, all facilities must be brought into compliance with current codes. There is no “grandfathering.”

The fees for restaurants are established by State laws. The fee is based on the seating capacity of the facility. The fee for an establishment with 50 or less seats is $210 per year. The fee for an establishment with 51 seats or more is $360 per year. The permit year starts on July 1st and ends on June 30th the following year.

FEES ARE ESTABLISHED BY STATE AND LOCAL STATUES FOR RETAIL GROCERY STORES, MEAT MARKETS, ETC. FEES RANGE FROM $57.50 TO $622.50 AND ARE BASED ON THE SQUARE FOOTAGE OF THE ESTABLISHMENT.

Permits for all food facilities are issued and approved by the Shelby County Health Department. Contact the Health Department, Food Inspection Program, for information on obtaining a food permit and approval for the particular type of facility you plan to operate.